Why is My Bobcat Skid Steer Not Driving or Moving Properly?

A Bobcat skid steer that won’t move, struggles to turn, or loses drive power can indicate hydrostatic transmission failure, low hydraulic pressure, faulty drive motors, or a parking brake issue. Below, we’ll explore the most common reasons why a Bobcat skid steer won’t drive properly and how to fix them.

Common Causes of Bobcat Skid Steer Drive Failure

1. Low or Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid

Bobcat skid steers use a hydrostatic drive system, meaning low or dirty hydraulic fluid can prevent movement or cause sluggish operation.

Solution:

  • Check the hydraulic fluid level and refill if needed, using the correct oil listed in your Bobcat skid steer service manual.

  • If the fluid is contaminated (milky or dark), flush and replace it.

  • Inspect for leaks in hydraulic hoses, pumps, and connections.

2. Clogged Hydraulic or Case Drain Filters

A blocked hydraulic filter or case drain filter can restrict flow and reduce drive power.

Solution:

  • Replace hydraulic and case drain filters at recommended intervals.

  • If clogging is frequent, flush the hydraulic system.

  • Follow filter replacement procedures in your Bobcat repair manual.

3. Faulty Drive Motor or Pump

Bobcat skid steers rely on hydrostatic pumps and drive motors to transfer power to the wheels or tracks. If either component fails, movement will be affected.

Solution:

  • Test hydrostatic pump pressure to see if it meets specifications.

  • If the drive motor is overheating or making unusual noises, it may need to be rebuilt or replaced.

  • Follow diagnostic steps in your Bobcat drive system manual.

4. Worn or Damaged Drive Belt

Some Bobcat skid steer models use a drive belt to transfer power from the engine to the hydraulic pump.

Solution:

  • Inspect the drive belt for cracks, wear, or looseness.

  • Adjust belt tension or replace if necessary.

  • Use the belt adjustment and replacement guide in your Bobcat skid steer service manual.

5. Faulty Electrical Controls or Sensor Malfunctions

Newer Bobcat skid steers use electronic controls to manage hydrostatic drive systems. A faulty sensor or wiring issue can cause loss of drive power.

Solution:

  • Check for diagnostic error codes using a scanner.

  • Inspect electrical connections and fuses.

  • Replace faulty solenoids or sensors following troubleshooting steps in your Bobcat equipment manual.

6. Parking Brake Stuck or Not Releasing

If the parking brake is stuck, the skid steer may not move even if the engine is running properly.

Solution:

  • Ensure the parking brake switch is disengaged.

  • If the brake is stuck, check for hydraulic or mechanical failure in the release mechanism.

  • Follow parking brake troubleshooting steps in your Bobcat operator manual.

Preventive Maintenance for Bobcat Skid Steer Drive Systems

To avoid drive issues in the future:

  • Regularly check and replace hydraulic fluid and filters.

  • Inspect and maintain drive belts, motors, and pumps.

  • Keep electrical connections clean and free of corrosion.

  • Follow scheduled maintenance outlined in your Bobcat skid steer manual.

Get the Right Manual for Your Bobcat Skid Steer

A Bobcat skid steer service manual is essential for diagnosing and fixing hydrostatic drive problems, hydraulic failures, and electrical faults. At PDFManualsShop.com, we provide Bobcat repair manuals with step-by-step troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, and maintenance procedures.

We also offer manuals for Case, John Deere, Kubota, and Volvo.

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